The Justice and Equity Centre (formerly the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) is a leading independent law and policy centre. We help build a fairer, stronger society by tackling injustice and inequality.
We work with people experiencing disadvantage to expose discrimination and unfairness. We use test cases and policy advocacy to drive law reform and systems change. Our work protects and promotes human rights by challenging government and corporations. We collaborate and partner with others to develop solutions and achieve social justice.
Our work combines:
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- legal advice and representation, specialising in test cases and strategic casework;
- research, analysis and policy development; and
- advocacy for systems change and public interest outcomes through media, communications, submissions and engagement with decision-makers.
We work across 5 focus areas:
- First Nations justice
- Disability rights
- Civil rights
- Homelessness
- Energy and water justice
Read more in our Strategy 2021-2024.
Our values
- We work with compassion and respect.
- We amplify the voices of people who are marginalised or excluded.
- We are tenacious and courageous.
- We are creative and open-minded.
- We do everything with integrity and are committed to excellence.
Detailed information about our objectives and strategies is available in our annual reports.
Awards
The Centre’s work has been recognised with a range of awards and nominations:
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- 2023 Walking Together Award from AbSec
- 2017 Pro Bono Partnership Award nominee (with Allens) from the Law and Justice Foundation
- 2012 Children’s Law Award from the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre
- 2010 Community Legal Centres NSW Award for the StreetCare advisory group
- 2009 Australian Privacy Awards, Community & NGO category – Highly Commended from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
- 1999 Law Award from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
- 1993 Human Rights Award from the Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Corporate information
The Justice and Equity Centre is:
- a public company limited by guarantee.
- a Public Benevolent Institution registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
- endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Tax Office.
